1988 Honda Accord vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 181 kg more than 1988 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Accord. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Accord | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Accord | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2810 mm |
